Enhanced Controlled Steering Functionality for Implant-Delivery Tools

The inventive concept relates to a system and method for delivering an implant to a heart of a patient using a steerable delivery tool with improved controlled steering functionality, enabling more precise and efficient implant delivery.

The original patent disclosed a controlled steering functionality for an implant-delivery tool, which, although effective, had limitations in terms of precision and efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a coupling mechanism, control unit, and sensor to enable axial advancement and rotational orientation of the second catheter relative to the first catheter, providing real-time feedback to the user.

The system comprises a first catheter with a steerable distal end portion and a second catheter with a steerable distal end portion, configured for advancement through a lumen of the first catheter. A coupling mechanism enables axial advancement and rotational orientation of the second catheter relative to the first catheter. A control unit, comprising a motor and gearbox, provides precise control over the axial advancement and rotational orientation of the second catheter. A sensor detects the position and orientation of the second catheter relative to the first catheter, providing real-time feedback to the user during the delivery of the implant. The method involves providing the first and second catheters, axially advancing and rotationally orienting the second catheter using the coupling mechanism and control unit, and delivering the implant to the heart of the patient.

The new inventive concept introduces a coupling mechanism, control unit, and sensor, which are not present in the original patent. These components enable precise control over the axial advancement and rotational orientation of the second catheter, providing real-time feedback to the user, which is not achievable with the original patent.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of coupling mechanisms, control units, and sensors. For example, the coupling mechanism could be a magnetic or mechanical coupling, and the control unit could be a manual or automated system. The sensor could be an optical, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic sensor.

The inventive concept has potential commercial applications in the field of cardiac valve repair, enabling more precise and efficient implant delivery. The target market includes medical device companies, hospitals, and clinics specializing in cardiac surgery.